September 2017 Wine Ratings

Argentina

88 La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec 2014, Mendoza ($15.95)

From the venerable house of Luigi Bosca comes this intensely coloured and perfumed Malbec full of blackberry, plum, blueberry, violets and anise. Full bodied with good density and a lingering blue fruit aftertaste. (ES)

Austria

89 Domaine Wachau Terrassen Federspiel 2015, Wachau ($21.95)

Dry, this mineral driven Riesling also flaunts bergamot, citrus, orange peel and notes of honey. There is loads of freshness which helps carry the finale. Pork schnitzel please! (ES)

Peach, cream, honey, white pepper, flowers and citrus are all in play. Off-dry and ready to serve. Try with Munster cheese or tarte flambée. (ES)

88 Redstone Gewürztraminer 2016, Niagara ($21.95)

For a wine that is only 11.5% alcohol, this wine packs quite a punch. There is a slight peach colour which denotes some skin contact. Honey, rose water, anise, cold cream, pink grapefruit are all in play. Off-dry with an extended finale. Serve alongside your favorite spicy cuisine, from Indian to Asian to Mexican. (ES)

88 Pondview Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

This Sauvignon Blanc delivers above its pay grade. A huge bouquet of nectarine, guava, passion fruit, poached pear and grapefruit. On the palate, it is dry with fresh acidity and very good length as well as added nuances of lemon balm and minerals. Oyster time! (ES)

A deep ruby colour leads into a bouquet of cassis, plum, tobacco, licorice, herbs, violets and dark cocoa. Fullish, it is concentrated, and the aftertaste lingers. A job well done from a difficult red wine vintage. (ES)

This 100% Grenache comes from the Roussillon area of Southern France. Full bodied and rich, it is a sexy red with kirsch, blackberries, licorice, garrigue and olive. Perfect with roasts. Drink until 2020. (ES)

88 Manoir de Mercy Mercurey 2014, Burgundy ($29.95)

Plum, raspberry, sweet cherry, beet root, button mushroom, licorice and red flowers waft out of the glass and onto the palate, where brisk acidity and supple tannins round out the experience. Needs some duck to make it work perfectly. (ES)

Italy

93 Ornellaia 2013, Bolgheri Superiore ($199.95)

A polished Ornellaia with a creamy texture and flavour of cassis, plum, raspberry, anise, herbs and vanilla. Full bodied, the tannins are ripe, but dusty, with an impressive finale. Cellar for a couple of years so everything folds together and then drink for another 15 afterward. (ES)

90 Planeta Frappato Vittoria 2015, Sicily ($24.95)

This Sicilian red is a supple offering with wall to wall raspberry, cherry, rose, violets, clove and minerals. There is sound acidity and velvety tannins alongside a long floral, saline aftertaste. Drink over the next 2 to 3 years. (ES)

89 Brancaia Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany ($24.95)

A light and elegant Chianti made from 100% Sangiovese. Cherry, dried leaves, tobacco, and spice play nicely together. Lengthy with five years of life ahead. (ES)

89 Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria 2014, Puglia ($18.95)

This Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) features lots raisins, plum, raspberry, black tea, cola, cocoa, purple flowers and dried earth. Full bodied, there is a long finish and present tannins. BBQ all the way. (ES)

This wine is a stellar value, especially if you like modern and hefty reds. An opaque purple tinged colour leads into a bouquet of blackberry, crème de cassis, spice and cocoa. Excellent length with tannins to either drink or age. Grill up some steak and go to town. (ES)

88 Señorío De P. Peciña Crianza 2012, Rioja ($21.95)

Old -School Rioja all the way with dried fruit, leather, tomato paste, herbs, cedar and cured meats. Mid-weight, fresh acid and easy-going tannins complete the package. Lamb skewers would be perfect! (ES)